Race To Greatness
Running 3.1 miles, swimming 750 meters, and cycling 12.4 miles, triathlons are full of harsh challenges and require a relentless amount of work. Through these challenges, senior Cooper Gordon pushes his body to its limits to compete on Team USA. Gordon started doing triathlons his junior year when he was just 16 and found out quickly how athletic he is. Since Gordon started, he has won two races. He was offered a highly competitive spot on Team USA and has agreed to compete in the championship finals. Only 11 people in the nation are on Team USA for this event. When I did the USA Qualification race and got third, they invited me to an award ceremony. I had no clue I made the team and when they announced it, I about jumped out of my shoes because it was one of my biggest goals. I am excited to compete in the championship finals in September 2023, — Gordon
To be on Team USA takes a lot of hard work and training. The cycling portion of a triathlon can be grueling and rigorous, but also thrilling.
“Cycling is my favorite part about triathlons because there is nothing more thrilling than going fast and passing folks,” Gordon said. To be invited, you must place top 20 in your age group for that year, win a national championship, or place first through third in your age group at a world championship event. “I typically wake up at 4 am to train every day. Each day I try to be better than the day before,” Gordon said, “My friends and family motivate me most but there is so much to enjoy about running. It’s peaceful to me, but also being on Team USA helps motivate me as well,” Gordon said.
Gordon doesn’t view triathlons as a job, but as more of a great excuse to go out and run. “I love running because it is so soothing, and it can be as easy or as difficult as you make it,” Gordon said. No matter how tired he gets, Gordon always keeps moving forward. “I always keep pushing because my family supports me through everything, and being on Team USA keeps me going,” Gordon said.
